Those who have devoted their lives to God’s calling gathered to celebrate and renew that commitment at the Mass of Thanksgiving for the Gift of Consecrated Life on February 2nd at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich.
Six Jubilarians marked anniversaries of between 25 and 65 years of consecrated life in service to the Lord, such as sister Blanche Cadotte, DHS, with 65 years.
Sister Cadotte was joined by Sisters Paulette Gariepy, DHS, and Dominic J. Valla, ASCJ, both 60 years; Sisters Bonnie Morrow, DHS, and Yvette J. Rainville, DHS, 50 years; and Brother Jude M. McFeely, FI, 25 years. Together, they share a combined 310 years of consecrated life.
The Jubilarians gathered with clergy called to a consecrated life, such as various orders of nuns, secular and apostolic institutes and monastic communities. Pope John Paul II established the yearly celebration in 1997 to honor vocations in the Catholic Church and as a way to give thanks to women and men in consecrated life.
The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, led the renewal of the vows by the gathering of sisters, brothers and religious priests.
"These consecrated lives give witness to the love of God at work in the world and enrich the Church of Christ," Bishop Cote said. "It is with joy and gratitude that we invite the renewal of these vows today."
The homilist was Reverend Jacinto Mary Chapin, FI, Marian of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Griswold, Connecticut. Sister Yvette Rainville and Brother McFeely formed the Offertory Procession.
Friar Paschal M. Gilberet, FI, delivered the First Reading, Malachi 3:1-4. Sister Marie Andre Wilson, SCMC, delivered the Second Reading, Hebrews 2:14-18.